Minnesota Climbers Association

Mission

The Minnesota Climbers Association is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization made up of members and volunteers dedicated to preserving Minnesota climbing. We advocate access for climbers by encouraging responsible practices, promoting conservation and stewardship of private and publicly held lands, as well as, fostering communication and awareness of the sport to the public.

Stewardship

We host Adopt-A-Crag events to keep Minnesota crags clean for climbers and other users.

Access

In partnership with land managers, we work to protect and expand access in Minnesota.

Sandstone Ice Park

MCA Volunteers and the City of Sandstone work together to provide a “farmed” ice climbing destination for winter climbers from the Midwest and beyond.

Anchor & Bolt Replacement

Our bolting fund supports the ongoing work of volunteers who maintain and keep routes safe.

Latest news

The Minnesota Climbers Association is excited to invite you and your friends to the Sandstone Climbers Festival. The event will take place at Robinson Park in gorgeous Sandstone, MN the weekend of September 24th and 25th, 2016. In the tradition of the previous Save/Saved Sandstone events, we will continue to build our community, relationships and[…]

Join MCA members at Robinson Park Sunday, August 14 to celebrate Quarry Days in Sandstone, MN! We will be talking to community members about rock climbing beginning at 9am. Bring some friends and enjoy a day of sport climbing! The city of Sandstone has long embraced the climbing community. Year round, Sandstone supports ice climbing,[…]

Join the Minnesota Climbers Association and the Access Fund – Conservation Team for a few days at Sandstone. The MCA will be hosting the Conservation Team as they roll through town on their national tour. The Team will help build trails and boardwalks at the Eldon bouldering area. Bring friends, camp, and get some climbing[…]

Hey Everyone, Just got word from the Interstate Park Office: “We have to cancel the Climber’s Clean up scheduled for Sunday. The St. Croix is in a big-time flood. The access to the Minnesota Strip is well underwater. The park boat landing and campgrounds are closed. And park staff are tied up responding to the[…]

Join us at the Taylors Falls Adopt-A-Crag on Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 10 am to 2 pm. Meet at the Visitor Center on the Minnesota side. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Make sure to bring water and work gloves if you have them. We will provide some gloves but will not have[…]

It’s spring! As your climbing season begins, please remember to sign up for your annual climber permit at all MN State Parks. (Blue Mounds, Interstate, Banning, and Tettegouche; each park has their own.) It’s free, only takes a minute, and helps the park and MCA maintain climbing access. Thanks!

Hey climbers! A friendly reminder that wet sandstone is easily broken. As the season changes, we experience the thaw of winter and the rain of spring. At the bouldering area in Sandstone, MN known as Eldon, this means wet sandstone is more common than dry sandstone. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB ON WET SANDSTONE. If[…]

ATTENTION CLIMBERS: The road to Eldon is now open. In June 2014, MCA volunteers partnered with the Access Fund Conservation Team and the Conservation Corps of MN to work on a trail from the future parking area down to the boulders that line the Kettle River in Sandstone, MN. In July, MCA used some[…]

It is with great pleasure that we can announce that the amendment to allow climbing in Banning State Park has been fully approved! This has been a long process and could not have happened without the work of many people. Thank you to our dedicated volunteer board members, to all the climbers, friends, and[…]

We are still in the public hearing segment of the Banning State Park climbing amendment process. And while nothing is certain until the entire process runs its course, things are looking good for expanded climbing in Minnesota. Here is a look at areas that are under consideration in Banning State Park. Zoom in on[…]